Cyclorama

ABSTRACT

A panel member for a cyclorama includes a concavo-convex body having integrally-formed first and second side portions with an intermediate portion therebetween. The first side portion, the second side portion, and the intermediate portion have a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions have a radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane to uniformly reflect or diffuse sound and light incident on the panel member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of PCT Patent Application No.PCT/US2016/018791, filed Feb. 19, 2016, which in turn claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/120,788, filed Feb. 25,2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/119,026, filed Feb.20, 2015, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/297,749, filed Feb. 19, 2016, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure concerns cycloramas, such as for use inphotography and film production.

BACKGROUND

Cyclorama structures are useful for creating the appearance of anunlimited space having no horizon or wall intersections in photographyand film applications. A cyclorama typically includes two angled wallsthat meet at a corner, and one or more curved panels or coves extendingbetween the walls to conceal the corner to provide the appearance of anuninterrupted expanse. The cyclorama can also include one or more curvedpanels extending from the corner to conceal the intersection between thefloor and the walls and/or between the walls and the ceiling. However,the curvature of the panels in the corner of a cyclorama is typicallysuch that sound is focused by the panels in particular directions,resulting in amplification of sound along certain sight lines anddeadening of sound along other sight lines. Similarly, the panels canreflect and focus light in particular directions, resulting in shadowsor uneven lighting of a subject in or near the corner of the cyclorama.Accordingly, there is a need for improved cycloramas.

SUMMARY

Certain disclosed embodiments concern modular panel members forcycloramas, and methods of making, assembling, and using the same. In arepresentative embodiment, a panel member comprises a concavo-convexbody having integrally-formed first and second side portions with anintermediate portion therebetween. The first side portion, the secondside portion, and the intermediate portion have a radius of curvature ina Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions further have aradius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius ofcurvature in the Y-Z plane.

In another embodiment, a method comprises creating an image using acyclorama including a panel member having a concavo-convex body withintegrally-formed first and second side portions and an intermediateportion therebetween. The first side portion, the second side portion,and the intermediate portion have a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane,and the first and second side portions further have a radius ofcurvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius of curvaturein the Y-Z plane.

In another representative embodiment, a cyclorama assembly comprises afirst concavo-convex panel member having integrally formed first andsecond side portions and an intermediate portion therebetween. The firstand second side portions and the intermediate portion comprise a firstradius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second sideportions further comprise a second radius of curvature in an X-Y planethat is different from the first radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane.The assembly further comprises a second concavo-convex panel memberdisposed adjacent one of the first or second side portions of the firstconcavo-convex panel member. The second concavo-convex panel membercomprises the first radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane. The assemblyfurther comprises a third concavo-convex panel member disposed adjacentan upper edge portion of the first concavo-convex panel member. Thethird concavo-convex panel member comprises integrally formed first andsecond side portions having the second radius of curvature in the X-Yplane.

In another representative embodiment, a method comprises situating afirst concavo-convex panel member between two angled walls. The firstconcavo-convex panel member has integrally formed first and second sideportions and an intermediate portion therebetween. The first and secondside portions and the intermediate portion comprise a first radius ofcurvature in a Y-Z plane, the first and second side portions furthercomprising a second radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that isdifferent from the first radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane. Themethod further comprises situating a second concavo-convex panel memberadjacent one of the first or second side portions of the firstconcavo-convex panel member, the second concavo-convex panel membercomprising the first radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane. The methodfurther comprises situating a third concavo-convex panel member adjacentan upper edge portion of the first concavo-convex panel member, thethird concavo-convex panel member comprising integrally formed first andsecond side portions having the second radius of curvature in the X-Yplane.

In another representative embodiment, a method of making a panel membercomprises applying a moldable material to a mold member, and applyingpressure to the moldable material to form a concavo-convex panel memberhaving integrally-formed first and second side portions with anintermediate portion therebetween. The first side portion, the secondside portion, and the intermediate portion have a radius of curvature ina Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions further have aradius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius ofcurvature in the Y-Z plane.

In another representative embodiment, a method of making a panel membercomprises introducing a moldable material into a mold cavity to form aconcavo-convex panel member. The concave-convex panel member hasintegrally-formed first and second side portions with an intermediateportion therebetween. The first side portion, the second side portion,and the intermediate portion have a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane,and the first and second side portions further have a radius ofcurvature in an X-Y plane that is different from the radius of curvaturein the Y-Z plane. The method further comprises removing the panel memberfrom the mold cavity.

In another representative embodiment, a method of disassembling acyclorama comprises positioning a tool comprising a handle portion and ablade portion such that the blade portion is between a panel member ofthe cyclorama and a support structure to which the panel member issecured. The method further comprises moving the tool such that theblade portion moves between the panel member and the support structureto unsecure the panel member from the support structure.

In another representative embodiment, a panel member for a cycloramaconfigured to be situated on a horizontal reference comprises a firstconcavo-convex wall portion having an upper portion and a lower portion.The upper portion has a first radius of curvature in a plane that isparallel to the horizontal reference, and at least the lower portion hasa second radius of curvature in a plane that is perpendicular to thehorizontal reference such that the lower portion is configured to slopeupwardly from the horizontal reference when the cyclorama is situated onthe horizontal reference. The panel member further comprises a secondconcavo-convex wall portion having an upper portion and a lower portion.The upper portion has the first radius of curvature in a plane that isparallel to the horizontal reference, and at least the lower portion hasthe second radius of curvature in a plane that is perpendicular to thehorizontal reference such that the lower portion is configured to slopeupwardly from the horizontal reference when the cyclorama is situated onthe horizontal reference. The first radius of curvature is differentfrom the second radius of curvature.

In another representative embodiment, a method of making a panel memberfor a cyclorama comprises applying a moldable material to a mold member,and applying pressure to the moldable material to form a panel memberconfigured to be situated on a horizontal reference. The panel membercomprises a first concavo-convex wall portion having an upper portionand a lower portion. The upper portion has a first radius of curvaturein a plane that is parallel to the horizontal reference, and at leastthe lower portion has a second radius of curvature in a plane that isperpendicular to the horizontal reference such that the lower portion isconfigured to slope upwardly from the horizontal reference when thecyclorama is situated on the horizontal reference. The panel memberfurther comprises a second concavo-convex wall portion having an upperportion and a lower portion. The upper portion has the first radius ofcurvature in a plane that is parallel to the horizontal reference, andat least the lower portion has the second radius of curvature in a planethat is perpendicular to the horizontal reference such that the lowerportion is configured to slope upwardly from the horizontal referencewhen the cyclorama is situated on the horizontal reference. The firstradius of curvature is different from the second radius of curvature.

In another representative embodiment, a method comprises creating animage using a cyclorama including a panel member configured to besituated on a horizontal reference. The panel member comprises a firstconcavo-convex wall portion having an upper portion and a lower portion.The upper portion has a first radius of curvature in a plane that isparallel to the horizontal reference, and at least the lower portion hasa second radius of curvature in a plane that is perpendicular to thehorizontal reference such that the lower portion is configured to slopeupwardly from the horizontal reference when the cyclorama is situated onthe horizontal reference. The panel member further comprises a secondconcavo-convex wall portion having an upper portion and a lower portion.The upper portion has the first radius of curvature in a plane that isparallel to the horizontal reference, and at least the lower portion hasthe second radius of curvature in a plane that is perpendicular to thehorizontal reference such that the lower portion is configured to slopeupwardly from the horizontal reference when the cyclorama is situated onthe horizontal reference. The first radius of curvature is differentfrom the second radius of curvature.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of thedisclosure will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a set including arepresentative embodiment of a cyclorama.

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view illustrating an embodiment of acyclorama assembly including a corner panel member, a floor-to-wallpanel member, and a wall-to-wall panel member.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of afloor-to-wall panel member.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the floor-to-wall panel member ofFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of awall-to-wall panel member.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the wall-to-wall panel member of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a cornerpanel member.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the corner panel member of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the corner panel member of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a moldmember for making a floor-to-wall panel member.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a representative embodiment of amold member for making a wall-to-wall panel member.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a representative embodiment of a moldmember for making a corner panel member.

FIG. 13 is a process flow diagram illustrating a representativeembodiment of a method of making a panel member.

FIG. 14 is a side view of another embodiment of a mold member.

FIG. 15 is a process flow diagram illustrating a representativeembodiment of a method of making a panel member using the mold member ofFIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a process flow diagram illustrating a representativeembodiment of a method of assembling a cyclorama.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are perspective views of a tool for use with thecyclorama panels described herein.

FIG. 19 is a process flow diagram illustrating a representativeembodiment of a method of using the tool of FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a cyclorama.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a panel memberfor a cyclorama.

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the panel member of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of the panel member of FIG. 21.

FIG. 24 is a section view of the panel member of FIG. 21 taken alongplane 1226 of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the panel member of FIG. 21illustrating the reduction of shadows at junctions between the variouswall portions achievable with the illustrated configuration.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a panel memberfor a cyclorama illustrating shadows created at a junction of a curvedwall portion and a straight wall portion.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the panel member of FIG. 21illustrating a subject in the subject area in combination with lightingelements and bounce cards.

FIG. 28 illustrates an image of a subject in the subject area of thepanel member of FIG. 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Cycloramas comprising a plurality of modular panel members can be usefulfor quickly setting up, breaking down, or reconfiguring a set or stagefor photography or film applications. Exemplary embodiments ofcycloramas comprising modular panel members are disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 4,893,447, which is incorporated herein by reference.

First Representative Embodiment

FIG. 1 illustrates a set, such as a film or photography set, including arepresentative embodiment of a cyclorama 100. The cyclorama can have asupport structure configured as first and second walls 102, 104 thatintersect one another at a corner 106. The cyclorama 100 can furtherinclude an absolute horizontal reference such as a floor 108 extendingalong an X-Y plane (note Cartesian axes shown), and a corner covestructure generally indicated at 107. A plurality of curved panelmembers can extend between the walls and/or between the floor and therespective walls to conceal the intersections therebetween to providethe appearance of an unlimited space. For example, the cyclorama caninclude a plurality of curved floor-to-wall panel members 110 extendingbetween the floor 108 and the respective walls 102, 104 to conceal theintersection between the floor and the walls. Additionally, in someembodiments, the floor-to-wall panel members can be configured to extendbetween the respective walls 102, 104 and the ceiling of the studio atthe top of the cyclorama to conceal the intersection therebetween.

The cyclorama can also include a plurality of curved wall-to-wall panelmembers 112 extending between the respective walls 102, 104 to form thecove structure 107. The floor-to-wall panel members 110 and thewall-to-wall panel members 112 can be modular. Accordingly, thecyclorama can be constructed having any suitable length and/or heightdimensions, and can be couplable to one another and/or to the respectivewalls to facilitate assembly and disassembly.

The cyclorama can further include a curved corner panel member 114 towhich the adjacent floor-to-wall panel members 110 and the adjacentwall-to-wall panel members 112 can be coupled. In certain embodiments,the corner panel member can have a concavo-convex shape, with theconcave surface facing away from the walls 102, 104 and the convexsurface facing toward the walls. The corner panel member 114 can extendhorizontally between the walls 102, 104, and vertically between thefloor 108 and the respective walls 102, 104 such that a lower edge 116contacts and/or is secured to the floor and at least a portion of anupper edge 118 contacts and/or is secured to the walls.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the corner panel member 114 can include firstand second side portions 120, 122, and an intermediate portion 124therebetween. The first side portion 120, the second side portion 122,and the intermediate portion 124 can be integrally formed with oneanother such that the corner panel member 114 comprises a one-pieceunitary construction. The first and second side portions 120, 122, andthe intermediate portion 124, can be curved in the Y-Z plane such thatthe corner panel member can conceal the intersection of the floor andthe walls at the corner 106. To this end, the first and second sideportions 120, 122, and the intermediate portion 124 can each have aradius of curvature illustrated with respect to horizontal axescorresponding to each respective portion.

For example, the first side portion 120 can have a radius of curvatureR_(1A) illustrated with respect to a horizontal axis 126 such that theportion of the lower edge 116 associated with the first side portioncontacts the floor and the portion of the upper edge 118 associated withthe first side portion contacts the wall 102 (see FIG. 1). The secondside portion 122 can have a radius of curvature R_(2A) illustrated withrespect to a horizontal axis 128 such that the portion of the lower edge116 associated with the second side portion 122 contacts the floor 108and the portion of the upper edge 118 associated with the second sideportion contacts the wall 104. The intermediate portion 124 can alsohave a radius of curvature R₃ illustrated with respect to a horizontalaxis 130 such that the portion of the lower edge 116 associated with theintermediate portion contacts the floor 108 and the portion of the upperedge 118 associated with the intermediate portion extends between thewalls 102, 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the radii of curvatureR_(1A), R_(2A), and R₃ of the first side portion, the second sideportion, and the intermediate portion, respectively, can besubstantially equal such that the upper and lower edges 118, 116 of thecorner panel member are continuous along the floor and between thewalls, respectively. In certain embodiments, the first and second sideportions 120, 122 and the intermediate portion 124 can have respectivedegrees of curvature of between about 60 to about 90 degrees in the Y-Zplane. In certain embodiments, the first, second, and intermediateportions can be non-parabolic.

In addition to the curvature in the Y-Z plane, the first and second sideportions 120, 122 can also be curved in the X-Y plane. For example, thefirst side portion 120 can have a radius of curvature R_(1B) definedwith respect to a vertical axis 132, and the second side portion 122 canhave a radius of curvature R_(2B) defined with respect to a verticalaxis 134. In this manner, the first and second side portions 120, 122can extend in a curvilinear fashion from the intermediate portion 124 tocontact the respective walls 102, 104 and respective floor-to-wall panelmembers 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the radii of curvatureR_(1B), R_(2B) can be substantially equal such that the first and secondside portions 120, 122 can be symmetrical about the intermediate portion124. In certain embodiments, the first and second side portions 120, 122can have respective degrees of curvature substantially equal to anglesdefined between the walls 102, 104 and the intermediate portion 124. Forexample, with reference to FIG. 9, the first side portion 120 can definean angle θ₁ between the intermediate portion 124 and an edge 123 of thefirst side portion. In certain embodiments, the angle θ₁ can be fromabout 20 to about 60 degrees, depending upon the angle of the walls. Insome embodiments, the angle θ₁ can be about 45 degrees.

The second side portion 122 can also define an angle θ₂ between theintermediate portion 124 and the respective edge 125 of the second sideportion. In certain embodiments, the angle θ₂ can be from about 20degrees to about 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle θ₂ can beabout 45 degrees. In this manner, the first and second side portionstogether can provide a degree of curvature of about 90 degrees.

In the illustrated embodiment, the curvature of the first and secondside portions and the intermediate portion in the Y-Z plane and thecurvature of the first and second side portions in the X-Y plane can bedifferent. In other words, the radii R_(1A), R_(2A), and R₃ can be equalto one another, but unequal to the radii R_(1B) and R_(2B). By makingthe radii of curvature in the Y-Z plane different from the radii ofcurvature in the X-Y plane, light incident on the corner panel member114 is more uniformly reflected or diffused from the corner of thecyclorama, rather than focused along particular sight lines, as in manycyclorama structures with equal radii in the X-Y and Y-Z planes. Thisreduces or substantially eliminates shadows, and facilitates more evenlighting of the panels of the cyclorama. The unequal radii of curvaturein the Y-Z plane as compared to the X-Y plane can also provide moreuniform sound propagation from the corner cove 107 by reflecting ordispersing sound incident on the corner panel member 114. This canreduce sound amplification along particular sight lines and sounddeadening along certain other sight lines relative to the corner cove107.

For example, in some embodiments, a ratio between the radius ofcurvature of the first and second side portions in the X-Y plane and theradius of curvature of the first and second side portions and theintermediate portion in the Y-Z plane can be from about 1.1:1 to about10:1, such as about 1.1:1 to about 3:1, about 1.1:1 to 2:1, about 1.1:1to 1.5:1, or about 1.2:1. Thus, in one representative embodiment, theradii R_(1B) and R_(2B) can be about 36 inches, and the radii R_(1A),R_(2A), and R₃ can be about 30 inches. In another representativeembodiment, the radii R_(1B) and R_(2B) can be about 48 inches, and theradii R_(1A), R_(2A), and R_(3A) can be about 40 inches. A person ofordinary skill in the art will understand, however, that the radii canhave any suitable dimensions. Additional perspective and side elevationviews of the corner panel member 114 are illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8,respectively.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the floor-to-wall panel members 110 cancomprise a radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane equal to the radiiR_(1A), R_(2A), and R_(3A) such that the lower edges are flush with thefloor 108 and the upper edges are at substantially the same height asthe upper edge 118 of the corner panel member 114. In certainembodiments, the floor-to-wall panel members can have a degree ofcurvature that is substantially equal to an angle defined between thefloor and the walls (e.g., between about 60 to about 90 degrees). FIGS.3 and 4 illustrate perspective and side elevation views of arepresentative floor-to-wall panel member 110.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the wall-to-wall panel members 112 canextend between the walls 102, 104, and can define respective first andsecond side portions 136, 138. The side portions 136, 138 of thewall-to-wall panel members can be curved in the X-Y plane to interfacewith the respective walls 102, 104, and to conceal the intersection ofthe walls at the corner 106. Thus, the respective side portions 136, 138can have radii of curvature in the X-Y plane substantially equal to theradii R_(1B) and R_(2B) of the corner panel member 114. This can allowthe wall-to-wall panel members 112 to interface with the upper edge 118of the corner panel member 114 to form the corner cove 107. Because thewall-to-wall panel members 112 extend upwardly from the corner panelmember 114, they need not be curved in the Y-Z plane. FIGS. 5 and 6illustrate respective perspective and plan views of a representativeembodiment of a wall-to-wall panel member 112.

The wall-to-wall panel members 112 can further comprise an intermediateportion 140 corresponding substantially to the intermediate portion 124of the corner panel member 114, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. Asillustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, and 6, the intermediate portion 140 is notcurved in the Y-Z plane such that the combined intermediate portions 140of one or more wall-to-wall panel members 112 (see, e.g., FIG. 1) definea planar region 142 extending substantially along the center of thecorner cove structure 107. The planar region 142 can have any suitablewidth and/or height, and can disperse or disrupt the transmission ofsound waves and/or light waves reflected into the cove 107 by the curvedside portions of the wall-to-wall panel members and the corner panelmember. In particular embodiments, the planar region 142 can have awidth W of from about 1 inch to about 120 inches (FIG. 2). In someembodiments, the width dimension W can be from about 1 inch to about 48inches. In some embodiments, the width dimension W can be about 12inches.

In certain embodiments, the side portions 136, 138 of the wall-to-wallpanels can have respective degrees of curvature substantially equal toangles formed between the respective walls 102, 104 and the intermediateportion 140. For example, with reference to FIG. 6, the first sideportion 136 can define an angle α₁ between the intermediate portion 140and the edge of the first side portion 136. The angle α₁ can be fromabout 20 to about 60 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle α₁ can beabout 45 degrees, similar to the angle θ₁ of the first side portion ofthe corner panel member 114. The second side portion 138 can also definean angle α₂ between the intermediate portion 140 and the edge of thesecond side portion. The angle α₂ can be from about 20 to about 60degrees. In some embodiments, the angle α₂ can be about 45 degrees,similar to the angle θ₂ of the second side portion of the corner panelmember 114.

As stated above, the modular floor-to-wall panel members 110 andwall-to-wall panel members 112 can be couplable to the corner panelmember 114, to the floor 108 and/or the walls 102, 104, and/or to oneanother to facilitate assembly and disassembly. In some embodiments, thepanel members can be coupled to one another by any suitable means suchas fasteners, any of various mating flange or keyway arrangements, etc.For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel members cancomprise flanges 160 located on the sides of the panel members (see,e.g., FIGS. 3-8). The flanges 160 can define a plurality of openings 162for receiving fasteners to fasten adjacent panel members to one another.The flanges also serve to provide integrity and strength to the cornercove assembly to help ensure that the panel members retain the desiredcurvature along the length of the interfaces between respective panelmembers.

In some embodiments, the panel members can also be coupled to therespective walls 102, 104 instead of, or in addition to, the adjacentpanel members. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second sideportions 120, 122 of the corner panel member 114 can include respectivenotch portions 144, 146 such that the corner panel member definesrespective lateral edge portions 148, 150 and an upper edge portion 152comprising the edge 118. The flanges 160 of the corner panel member canextend from the notch portions 144, 146, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and8. In this manner, the corner panel member 114 can interface with and/orbe coupled to the adjacent floor-to-wall panel members 110 and/or theadjacent wall-to-wall panel member 112.

In certain embodiments, the panel members can include peripheralrecessed portions extending along the perimeter of the panel members.For example, with reference to FIG. 2, the wall-to-wall panel member 112can include recessed portions 170A, 170B extending along the respectiveside portions 136, 138. The corner panel member 114 can include recessedportions 172A, 172B located along the periphery of the notches 144, 146of the first and second side portions 120, 122, respectively. Thefloor-to-wall panel members 110 can include recessed portions 174extending along at least the upper edge of the panel members. Therespective panel members can also comprise respective primary surfaces.For example, the panel member 112 can comprise a primary surface 178,the panel member 114 can comprise a primary surface 180, and the panelmembers 110 can include respective primary surfaces 182.

Proceeding specifically with reference to the wall-to-wall panel 112 forpurposes of illustration, the recessed portions 170A, 170B can extend aspecified distance from the edge of the panel member 112 (e.g., 2inches), and can define secondary surfaces 176A, 176B offset from theprimary surface 178 (e.g., in the direction of the walls 102, 104 ofFIG. 1, respectively). The recessed portions of the panel member 114 andthe panel members 110 can also define secondary surfaces (e.g.,173A-173B and 175, respectively) offset from the primary surfaces of therespective panel members. In some embodiments, the secondary surfaces176A, 176B can be offset from the primary surface by a specified depth(e.g., about ⅛ inch). The depth can be related to a thickness of one ormore materials (e.g., tape such as sheetrock tape, mud, plaster, etc.)that may be applied to the secondary surfaces when assembling thecyclorama. By making the depth of the recessed portions 170A, 170Bapproximately equal to the thickness of the materials to be applied tothe recesses when the panels are assembled, the surface of thosematerials in the recessed portions can be made substantially even withthe primary surface 178 after assembly. Thus, the panels can be joined,taped, mudded, and otherwise finished such that the interfaces betweenadjacent panel members, the floor, and/or the walls are covered,obscured, or otherwise rendered substantially undiscernable in thefinished cyclorama.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the recessed portion 170A of thepanel member 112, the recessed portion 172A of the panel member 114, andthe recessed portion 174 of the respective panel member 110 can becontiguous when the panels are assembled. When tape and/or mud areapplied to the secondary surfaces of the respective recessed portions,the surface of the tape and/or mud along the extent of the contiguousrecessed portions can be made substantially even with the primarysurfaces 178, 180, 182. In this manner, the interfaces between therespective panel members 112, 114, 110, and between the panel membersand the walls, can be covered, obscured, or otherwise renderedsubstantially undiscernable. It should be understood that the panelmembers can include recessed portions along any suitable edge portion,including edge portions interfacing with the floor, the walls, theceiling, and/or with adjacent panel members. Furthermore, the recessedportions can have any suitable width dimension and/or depth dimension.As illustrated in FIGS. 2-8, the secondary surfaces of the recessedportions can also include holes or openings 184 to accept fasteners 185(e.g., nails, screws, etc.) to fasten the panel members to the floorand/or to the walls.

In some embodiments, the panel members described herein can comprise,for example, any of various moldable materials, such as polymers,plastics, such as ABS plastic, resin, fiberglass, or foam, to name afew. The panel members can also be made from any machine-workablematerial, including any of various metals (e.g., aluminum), foam, wood,etc. Certain disclosed working embodiments were made from ABS plasticand fiberglass.

In a representative embodiment, the wall-to-wall panel members 112 canhave a height dimension H of about 48 inches, and the floor-to-wallpanel members can have a length dimension L of about 48 inches, althoughthe panel members can have any suitable height and length dimensions, asdesired. An exemplary embodiment can include two wall-to-wall panelmembers 112, a corner panel member 114, and seven or eight floor-to-wallpanel members 110, although a person of ordinary skill will understandthat this is variable, and that the disclosed cycloramas can include anysuitable number of the various panel members.

In some embodiments, the panel members can be made by, for example,introducing (e.g., as by injection molding) a moldable material into amold cavity having the shape of the desired panel, and removing thepanel from the mold cavity after allowing the material to cure. In someembodiments, the panel members can be made by applying a moldablematerial to the exterior of a mold member having a surface comprisingthe shape of the desired panel member, and forming the material into theshape of the mold member. Moldable material such as fiberglass can beapplied to the surface of the mold member together with a resin, andpressure can be applied to the moldable material by, for example,placing the mold in a vacuum bag and drawing a vacuum such that themoldable material is urged against the surface to form a panel memberhaving the shape of the mold. In some embodiments, resin can be appliedto the form, moldable material such as fiberglass can be applied to theform over the resin, and the combination can be drawn against the formby application of vacuum.

For example, FIG. 10 illustrates a representative embodiment of a moldmember 200 having a surface 202 comprising the shape of a floor-to-wallpanel member. By way of further example, FIG. 11 illustrates arepresentative embodiment of a mold member 300 having a surface 302comprising the shape of a wall-to-wall panel member. By way of furtherexample, FIG. 12 illustrates a representative embodiment of a moldmember 400 having a surface 402 comprising the shape of a corner panelmember. When making a panel member, moldable material can be applied tothe surface of the appropriate mold member, and the moldable materialcan be urged or otherwise caused to conform to the shape of the surfaceby applying pressure to the material. In certain examples, pressure canbe applied to the moldable material by placing the mold member in avacuum bag and drawing a vacuum in the bag. In other examples, themoldable material can be caused to conform to and take on the shape ofthe mold member by vacuum forming, in which the moldable material isurged against the surface of the mold member by a vacuum drawn throughone or more openings in the surface of the mold member to form arespective floor-to-wall, wall-to-wall, or corner panel member.

FIG. 13 is a process flow diagram illustrating a representativeembodiment of a method of making a panel member. Although the methodproceeds with reference to the corner panel mold member 400 for purposesof illustration, it should be understood that the method can be used incombination with any of the mold members described herein.

At block 502, a moldable material can be applied to a mold member, suchas the mold member 400.

At block 504, pressure can be applied to the moldable material to form aconcavo-convex panel member having integrally-formed first and secondside portions with an intermediate portion therebetween. The first sideportion, the second side portion, and the intermediate portion can havea radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second sideportions can have a radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that isdifferent from the radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane. The cornerpanel member can then be removed from the mold member 400 forpost-processing, such as trimming excess material, finishing, polishing,etc., as necessary. In alternative embodiments, a panel member havingthe desired shape can be milled from a block or billet of material, orstamped from sheet stock.

In another embodiment, any of the panel members described herein can bemade in an injection molding process. FIG. 14 illustrates arepresentative embodiment of mold 600 including first and secondportions 602, 604. The first mold portion 602 can define a mold cavity606, which can have the shape of the any of the panel members describedherein.

FIG. 15 is a process flow diagram illustrating another representativeembodiment of a method of making a panel member, such as a corner panelmember, using the mold 600 of FIG. 14. At block 702, a moldable materialcan be introduced into a mold cavity to form a concavo-convex panelmember having integrally-formed first and second side portions with anintermediate portion therebetween. The first side portion, the secondside portion, and the intermediate portion can have a radius ofcurvature in a Y-Z plane, and the first and second side portions canalso have a radius of curvature in an X-Y plane that is different fromthe radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane.

At block 704, the panel member can be removed from the mold cavity.

The disclosed cyclorama embodiments can provide several surprising andsignificant advantages over known cycloramas. As stated above, theunequal radii of curvature of the corner panel member 114 in the Y-Zplane as compared to the X-Y plane can reduce or eliminate the focusingof light incident on the corner panel member 114 along particular sightlines, resulting in more uniform lighting of the panel members. This canprovide the illusion of an infinite space without a ground or floor, asky, or a horizon, which can be desirable when creating images (e.g.,live film broadcasts, recorded films or movies, or still photographs) ofsubjects on a set incorporating the cyclorama.

For example, the even lighting of the cyclorama facilitated by the shapeof the corner panel member and the other panel members described hereincan be crucial when using chroma key composite techniques in greenand/or blue screen applications. In such applications, uniform lightingof the cyclorama is required in order to distinguish the cycloramabackground from the subject (e.g., a person or product) being imaged.For example, in some chroma key composite techniques, the cyclorama canbe painted (e.g., green, blue, etc.). An image of a performer or subjecton the set in front of the colored cyclorama can then be distinguishedby software and combined (e.g., superposed) with a different background(e.g., a special effect background) that replaces the portions of theimage occupied by the colored cyclorama. The unequal radii of curvaturein the Y-Z plane as compared to the X-Y plane of the panel members,along with the intermediate portions 124 and 140 of the panel members114 and 112, respectively, can promote even lighting of the primarysurfaces of the panel members, reducing shadows and highlights. This, inturn, can allow the subject to be more readily distinguished from thecyclorama background, which can be critical to achieving a highresolution image of the subject when superposed on the special effectbackground. For example, the improved ability to distinguish the subjectfrom the cyclorama provided by the panel members described herein canresult in a higher resolution image near the edges of the subject, andcan also promote higher resolution of fine features, such as the hair ofan actor or newscaster, which is typically difficult to distinguish fromthe background.

The unequal radii of curvature in the Y-Z plane as compared to the X-Yplane of the panel members, and particularly of the corner panel member114, can also reduce or eliminate the focusing of sound incident on thecorner panel member 114 along particular sight lines, resulting in moreuniform sound propagation from the corner cove 107. The planar region142 defined by the intermediate portions of the respective wall panelmembers 112 can also promote uniform sound propagation from the cove 107and reduce the amplification or deadening of sound along particularsight lines or trajectories relative to the cyclorama.

Additionally, by integrating the first and second side portions and theintermediate portion of the corner panel member 114 into a single unit,along with the corresponding unitary wall-to-wall panel members 112, thecyclorama 100 can be quickly and easily assembled, disassembled, orreconfigured (e.g., to increase or decrease the dimensions). Forexample, using a corner panel member 114 in combination with anappropriate number of floor-to-wall and wall-to-wall panel members 110,112, a cyclorama having walls 12 feet in length and a height of 10 feetcan be constructed by a single person in about 1-2 hours. By contrast,other cycloramas of similar dimensions can require two workers 8 hoursto construct.

An additional advantage of the modular construction of the cyclorama,and particularly of the unitary construction of the corner panel memberand the corresponding unitary wall-to-wall panel members, is that aseparate support frame for the panel members apart from the walls is notrequired. Many cycloramas require erecting a support frame prior toattachment of the panel members. However, because the unitary cornerpanel member and the wall-to-wall panel members are symmetrical, thepanel members can be fastened directly to one another and/or to thewalls or the floor of the cyclorama without an additional support frame.This can substantially reduce the time and effort required to constructthe cyclorama and/or to reconfigure the cyclorama (e.g., to increase ordecrease height and/or length dimensions of the cyclorama) for differentapplications. By fastening the panel members to one another along therespective flanges, the flanges can also provide structural strength andsupport to maintain the desired curvature along the length of the panelmembers.

Another advantage of the embodiments described herein is that byreducing the number of panel members required to construct thecyclorama, the number of joints or interfaces between panels can bereduced. This can provide significant advantages over known systemsbecause slight misalignments between panels can result in undesirablefeatures or defects in the background of a film image or a photographicimage that must be corrected or removed (e.g., by software) duringproduction. Such defects can be of particular concern when performinggreen and/or blue screen imaging techniques. For example, the techniquesmost commonly used to remove such cyclorama defects from the imageinvolve reducing the resolution of the film or photographic image inorder to obscure the defect in the cyclorama. Reducing the resolution ofthe image also reduces the image quality of the subject. Thus, makingthe first, second, and intermediate portions of the corner panel members114 and the wall-to-wall panel members 112 into respective unitaryconstructions reduces the number of joints between panels and provides acorresponding reduction in the number of defects or artifacts in animage that must be removed or corrected during production.

FIG. 16 is a process flow diagram illustrating a representativeembodiment of a method of assembling a cyclorama using any of the panelmember embodiments described herein. At block 802 a first concavo-convexpanel member can be situated between two angled walls. The firstconcavo-convex panel member can have integrally formed first and secondside portions and an intermediate portion therebetween, and can haveradii of curvature in the Y-Z plane and the X-Y plane that are unequal,as described above.

At block 804, a second concavo-convex panel member can be situatedadjacent one of the first or second side portions of the firstconcavo-convex panel member. The second concavo-convex panel member cancomprise the first radius of curvature in the Y-Z plane.

At block 806, a third concavo-convex panel member can be situatedadjacent an upper edge or top portion of the first concavo-convex panelmember. The third concavo-convex panel member can comprise integrallyformed first and second side portions having the second radius ofcurvature in the X-Y plane.

In some embodiments, at least one floor-to-wall panel member configuredas a wall-to-ceiling panel member can be disposed between a respectivewall and a ceiling of the cyclorama. Additional floor-to-wall,wall-to-wall, and/or wall-to-ceiling panel members can be added to thecyclorama to achieve the desired dimensions.

When the panel members have been positioned and secured to the walls,the floor, and/or to one another, any spaces or seams between adjacentpanel members can be concealed. For example, the recesses and any spacesbetween adjacent panel members can be concealed with fiberglass tape,and finished with a joint compound or “topping mud” (e.g., CGC or USGDurabond® Brand 90 Setting-Type Joint Compound available from CGCCorporation). The panel members can then be sanded, sealed, and painted,as desired. In some embodiments, the joints or spaces between panelmembers can be concealed only with joint compound.

FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate a representative embodiment of a tool 900.The tool 900 can be, for example, a chisel, and can comprise a handleportion 902 and a blade portion 904. The handle portion 902 can have agrip portion 906, which can be knurled to allow a user to grip the gripportion without slipping. The blade portion 904 can include a blade edge908, which can be made from any suitable metal material such as hardenedsteel. In some embodiments, the blade portion 904 can be removable forservicing or replacement. In other embodiments, the blade portion can besecured or integrally formed with the handle portion. The tool 900 isuseful for, for example, quickly and efficiently disassembling acyclorama. For example, by moving the blade edge 908 between an edgeportion of a panel member and a substrate (e.g., a floor or wall towhich the panel member is secured), the blade edge can cut through orsever fasteners, tape, mud, etc., holding the panel to the substrate.This can be particularly advantageous for removing fasteners becausethey are frequently covered by mud, tape, etc., applied to the panelmembers over top of the fasteners, making location and removal of thefasteners difficult and time-consuming.

A representative method of disassembling a cyclorama using the tool 900is described with reference to the process flow diagram illustrated inFIG. 19. At block 1002, a user can position the tool such that the bladeedge is between a panel member of a cyclorama and a support structure towhich the panel member is secured.

At block 1004, the user can move the tool such that the blade edge movesbetween the panel member and the support structure to unsecure the panelmember from the support structure.

Second Representative Embodiment

FIG. 20 illustrates another embodiment of a cyclorama 1100 including aplurality of alternating first and second panel members 1102, 1104arranged between two angled walls 1106, 1108 to form a curved covestructure 1110. The first panel members 1102 can be curved in the Y-Zplane while being straight in the X-Y plane. The second panel members1104 can be curved in the Y-Z plane and curved in the X-Y plane. In someembodiments, the second panel members 1104 can have a degree ofcurvature in the X-Y plane similar to the degree of curvature describedabove with respect to the side portions of the corner panel member 114and the wall-to-wall panel members 112. In some embodiments, the degreeof curvature can be from about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees, about 10degrees to about 30 degrees, or about 22 degrees. In this manner, thecurvature of the second panel members 1104 in the X-Y plane can beadditive such that the combined curvature of the second panel members issubstantially equal to an angle defined between the walls 1106, 1108(e.g., about 90 degrees). In some embodiments, the second panel memberscan include peripheral side portions extending along a length of thepanel members (e.g., in the z-direction) that are not curved in the X-Yplane. These peripheral side portions can interface with the first panelmembers 1102, and can be taped and mudded to conceal the interface ofthe first and second panel members. The cyclorama can also include oneor more floor-to-wall panel members 1114 extending between the floor1112 and the respective walls 1106, 1108.

By arranging the first and second panel members 1102, 1104 in analternating fashion, the cyclorama can provide the illusion of anunlimited space and can render the curvature of the cove structure 1110substantially undiscernable. More specifically, by arranging the secondpanel members 1104 alternatingly with the first panel members 1102, thestraight profile of the first panel members in the X-Y plane can makethe relatively low degree of curvature of the second panel members inthe X-Y plane difficult or impossible to discern. This, in turn, canprovide the illusion that the curved corner structure 1110 is notcurved. Additional panel members corresponding to the first and secondpanel members 1102, 1104 can be arranged on top of the first and secondpanel members in the cove structure, where the panel memberscorresponding to the first panel members are rectangular and the panelmembers corresponding to the second panel members are curved in the X-Yplane.

In some embodiments, the first and second panel members can have radiiof curvature in the Y-Z plane similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1described above. In some embodiments, the second panel members can haveradii of curvature in the X-Y plane. In some embodiments, the radii ofcurvature of the second panel members in the X-Y plane can be differentfrom or unequal to the radii of curvature in the Y-Z plane. In someembodiments, respective first and second panel members of the curvedcorner structure 1110 can be a single unitary construction.

Example 1

Exemplary cyclorama embodiments used by, for example, Adidas America,Inc., the University of South Florida, the University of Tennessee, andPBS Hawaii in photography and film production include a corner panelmember 114 described above, two wall-to-wall panel members 112positioned one on top of the other above the corner panel member, andseven floor-to-wall panel members 110. Four floor-to-wall panel memberswere positioned on one side of the corner panel member, and threefloor-to-wall panel members were positioned on the opposite side of thecorner panel member. The radii R_(1A) of the corner panel members werebetween about 18 inches and about 60 inches, and the radii R_(1B) werebetween about 21 inches and 72 inches.

Third Representative Embodiment

FIGS. 21-24 illustrate another representative embodiment of a panelmember 1200 for a cyclorama. The panel member 1200 can include a coveportion 1202 defined by a first wall portion 1204, a second wall portion1206, and a third wall portion 1208. A fourth wall portion 1210 can becoupled to the second wall portion 1206 and a fifth wall portion 1212can be coupled to the third wall portion 1208 such that the wallportions 1204-1212 together define a subject area 1214, which can beconfigured, for example, to receive an object to be photographed. Insome embodiments, a floor portion 1216 can extend between the wallportions 1204-1212 in the subject area 1214.

With reference to FIG. 21, the panel member 1200 can be configured to besituated on a horizontal reference 1218, such as a floor, a table, orother horizontal surface. The horizontal reference 1218 can define anX-Y plane 1220 that is parallel to the horizontal reference. The firstwall portion 1204 can include an upper portion 1222 and a lower portion1224. As shown in FIG. 22, the upper portion 1222 of the first wallportion 1204 can have a radius of curvature R₁ in the X-Y plane 1220.Meanwhile, the lower portion 1224 can be curved in the X-Y plane 1220and in a Y-Z plane 1226 (e.g., shown bisecting the first wall portion1204 in FIG. 22) that is perpendicular to the horizontal reference 1218.The lower portion 1224 can have a radius of curvature R₂ in the Y-Zplane 1226, as best shown in FIG. 24. In this manner, the lower portion1224 can curve upwardly from the horizontal reference 1218 to the upperportion 1222 to provide the illusion of an infinite space. This can alsocause an upper edge or boundary 1228 of the lower portion 1224 to havethe radius R₁ in the X-Y plane 1220, while a lower edge 1230 of thelower portion 1224 has a radius of curvature R₃ in the X-Y plane (FIG.22) that is less than the radius R₁.

In some examples, a ratio of the radii R₁:R₃ can be from about 3:1 toabout 1.2:1. In some examples, a ratio of the radii R₁:R₂ can be fromabout 2:1 to about 10:1. In some examples, the ratio of the radii R₁:R₂can be from about 3:1 to about 6:1. In the illustrated embodiment, theratio of the radii R₁:R₂ is about 4.5:1.

Referring again to FIGS. 21 and 22, the second wall portion 1206 islocated between and coupled to the first wall portion 1204 and thefourth wall portion 1210. The second wall portion 1206 can have an upperportion 1232 and a lower portion 1234. The upper portion 1232 can have aradius of curvature R₄ in the X-Y plane 1220, and the lower portion 1234can have a radius of curvature R₅ (FIG. 23) in a Y-Z plane 1236 that isdefined with respect to the second wall portion 1206 (e.g., shownbisecting the second wall portion 1206 in FIG. 22), and that isperpendicular to the horizontal reference 1218. In the illustratedembodiment, the radius R₁ of the upper portion 1222 of the first wallportion 1204 is greater than the radius R₄ of the upper portion 1232 ofthe second wall portion 1206. For example, in some embodiments the ratioR₁:R₄ can be greater than or equal to 1.5:1. In some embodiments, theratio R₁:R₄ can be greater than or equal to 2:1. In the illustratedembodiment, the ratio R₁:R₄ is about 2.25:1, although it should beunderstood that the radii R₁ and R₄ can have any suitable ratio.

The fourth wall portion 1210 can include an upper portion 1238 and alower portion 1240. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower portion1240 has a radius of curvature in a vertical plane similar to the radiiR₂ and R₅, while the upper portion 1238 is planar, and is perpendicularto the horizontal reference 1218.

Referring again to FIG. 22, an upper portion 1242 of the third wallportion 1208 can have a radius of curvature R₆ in the X-Y plane 1220. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the radius R₆ of the third wall portion 1208is equal to the radius R₄ of the second wall portion 1206, althoughother configurations are possible. The third wall portion 1208 can alsohave a lower portion 1244 that has a radius of curvature in a Y-Z plane1237 (e.g., shown bisecting the third wall portion 1208) that isperpendicular to the horizontal reference 1218. In some embodiments, theradius of curvature of the lower portion 1244 in the Y-Z plane 1237 canbe equal to the radius R₂ (FIG. 24), similar to the second wall portion1206. The fifth wall portion 1212 can also have an upper portion 1246that is planar, and a lower portion 1248 that is curved in a verticalplane, similar to the fourth wall portion 1210. In this manner, thecyclorama 1200 can be symmetrical about the Y-Z plane 1226.

The wall portions 1204, 1206, 1208, 1210, 1212 and the floor portion1216 can be integrally formed with one another, or separately formed andcoupled together using, for example, fasteners or adhesive. The wallportions can be made of, for example, plastic (e.g., ABS plastic), foam,metal, fiberglass, resin, wood, or any other suitable material. In theillustrated embodiment, the cyclorama can include tab portions 1254extending from the fourth and fifth wall portions 1210, 1212 andconfigured to contact the surface on which the panel member 1200 issituated in order to provide stability. In some embodiments, the panelmember 1200 can be made by molding a moldable material on a mold havinga surface comprising the shape of the panel member, similar to the moldsof FIGS. 10-12.

The panel member 1200 of FIGS. 21-24 can provide a number of significantadvantages over known cycloramas. For example, the upper portions 1222,1232, and 1242 of the respective first, second, and third wall portions1204, 1206, 1208 can form a cove wall 1250 with a compound curvature inthe X-Y plane 1220 comprising the radius R₁ of the first wall portion1204, the radius R₄ of the second wall portion 1206, and the radius R₆of the third wall portion 1208. One significant advantage of thisconfiguration is that by incorporating the radii R₄ and R₆, which aresmaller than the radius R₁, into the cove portion 1202, the transitionfrom the curved first wall portion 1204 to the straight fourth and fifthwall portions 1210, 1212 can be made more gradual, and abrupt changes incurvature of the walls can be avoided. This can reduce shadows andbright spots associated with abrupt changes in curvature of the walls ofthe panel member, thereby promoting more even lighting of the panelmember and of the subject area 1214.

This concept is illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26. FIG. 25 illustrates thepanel member 1200 lit evenly from all directions. FIG. 26 illustrates apanel member 1300 in similar lighting. The panel member 1300 includes awall portion 1302 having an upper portion 1304 with a radius ofcurvature in an X-Y plane that is parallel to a horizontal reference,similar to the first wall portion 1204. The wall portion 1302 isdirectly coupled to a wall portion 1306 that is not curved in the X-Yplane, similar to the fifth wall portion 1212 of FIG. 25. In FIG. 25,only a slight change in brightness is visible at the junction betweenthe third wall portion 1208 and the fifth wall portion 1212, owing tothe compound curvature of the cove wall. However, a significant changeof brightness is visible in FIG. 26 at the location where the wallportion 1302 is coupled to the wall portion 1306. This is because thecurvature of the upper portion 1304 of the wall portion 1302 abruptlytransitions to the straight wall portion 1306. Such undesirable lightingeffects can be reduced or eliminated by including wall portions, such asthe second and third wall portions 1206, 1208, with upper portionshaving radii of curvature in a plane parallel to a horizontal reference(e.g., the X-Y plane) that are less than the radius of curvature of theupper portion of the first wall portion 1204, as in the embodiment ofFIGS. 21-24.

Incorporating the second and third wall portions 1206, 1208 having theradii R₄ and R₆ into the panel member 1200 can also allow the radius R₁of the first wall portion 1204 to be larger than known cyclorama panelmembers. Making the radius R₁ larger can allow the first wall portion1204 to diffuse light more evenly through the subject area 1214. Anotheradvantage of the embodiment of FIGS. 21-24 is that the relatively largeradius R₁, in combination with the smaller radii R₄ and R₆, also allowsthe fourth and fifth wall portions 1210, 1212 to form an angle of lessthan 90 degrees while preserving the relatively large subject area 1214,and without producing substantial shadowing effects. With reference toFIG. 22, the fourth wall portion 1210 forms an angle θ of about 5degrees with a reference axis 1252 that is parallel to the Y-Z plane1226. The fifth wall portion 1212 can be symmetrical with the fourthwall portion 1210 such that the fourth and fifth wall portions 1210,1212 form an angle of about 10 degrees. This provides the advantage ofwidening the subject area 1214, while reducing the difference incurvature at the interface of the second wall portion 1206 with thefourth wall portion 1210, and at the interface of the third wall portion1208 and the fifth wall portion 1212. However, it should be understoodthat the fourth and fifth wall portions 1210, 1212 can form any suitableangle, such as from about 5 degrees to about 90 degrees, or from about 5degrees to about 30. In other embodiments, the fourth and fifth wallportions 1210, 1212 can be parallel to one another, as desired.

The panel member of FIGS. 21-24 can be used in combination with avariety of peripheral elements to create a studio, including integral orstandalone lighting (e.g., mounted on stands placed in front of oraround the subject area 1214), one or more light-reflecting placards or“bounce cards” that can be located in or around the perimeter of thesubject area 1214, and/or a cover that can be situated above the subjectarea to reflect light into the subject area. An exemplary configurationis illustrated in FIG. 27, in which the panel member 1200 is shown incombination with an independently configurable lighting assembly 1256,and two bounce cards 1258 arranged one on either side of the subjectarea 1214. A subject 1260 (e.g., a product to be photographed) is shownsituated in the subject area 1214. In the illustrated embodiment, thelighting assembly 1256 can include a cover member 1262 configured to besituated over the subject area to reflect light from the lightingassembly into the subject area from above. In this manner, the subject1260 can be photographed in the subject area 1214 to create an image1264 of the subject 1260 in which the wall portions of the panel member1200 provide the illusion of an infinite space, as shown in FIG. 28. Inalternative embodiments, the panel member 1200 can be used incombination with a cover member that rests on top of the wall portions.

Example 2

In a representative example of the panel member of FIGS. 21-24, thepanel member 1200 is sized to be situated on a horizontal reference,such as a floor or a table. With reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, a lengthL defined between the edges of the fourth and fifth wall portions 1210,1212 can be about 31.5 inches. A height H of the panel member can beabout 15.5 inches, and a depth D measured from the front edge of thefloor portion 1216 to an apex of the first wall portion 1204 can beabout 19.5 inches. The radius of curvature R₁ of the upper portion 1222of the first wall portion 1204 can be about 18 inches, and the radius ofcurvature R₂ of the lower portion 1224 can be about 4 inches. The radiusof curvature R₃ of the lower edge of the lower portion 1224 can be about9 inches. The radii of curvature R₄ and R₆ of the upper portions 1232and 1242 of the second and third wall portions 1206, 1208, respectively,can be about 8 inches. Meanwhile, the radius R₅ of the lower portion1234 of the second wall portion 1206 can be 4 inches, similar to theradius R₂. However, in other embodiments, the various radii can belarger or smaller, as desired, and the wall portions 1210, 1212 can belonger or shorter in proportion to the cove 1250, as desired.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the upper portions of the respectivewall portions can have the same height, and the lower portions of therespective wall portions can have the same height. In this manner, theupper edges of the lower portions, such as the edge 1228 of the lowerportion 1224 of the first wall portion 1204, can be contiguous with oneanother, as shown in FIG. 21.

General Considerations

For purposes of this description, certain aspects, advantages, and novelfeatures of the embodiments of this disclosure are described herein. Thedisclosed methods, apparatuses, and systems should not be construed aslimiting in any way. Instead, the present disclosure is directed towardall novel and nonobvious features and aspects of the various disclosedembodiments, alone and in various combinations and sub-combinations withone another. The methods, apparatuses, and systems are not limited toany specific aspect or feature or combination thereof, nor do thedisclosed embodiments require that any one or more specific advantagesbe present or problems be solved.

Although the operations of some of the disclosed methods are describedin a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it shouldbe understood that this manner of description encompasses rearrangement,unless a particular ordering is required by specific language. Forexample, operations described sequentially may in some cases berearranged or performed concurrently. Moreover, for the sake ofsimplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in whichthe disclosed methods can be used in conjunction with other methods. Asused herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “at least one” encompass one ormore of the specified element. That is, if two of a particular elementare present, one of these elements is also present and thus “an” elementis present. The terms “a plurality of” and “plural” mean two or more ofthe specified element.

As used herein, the term “and/or” used between the last two of a list ofelements means any one or more of the listed elements. For example, thephrase “A, B, and/or C” means “A,” “B,” “C,” “A and B,” “A and C,” “Band C” or “A, B and C.”

In the following description, certain terms may be used such as “up,”“down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” andthe like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide someclarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But,these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions,and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper”surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over.Nevertheless, it is still the same object.

As used herein, the term “coupled” generally means physically coupled orlinked and does not exclude the presence of intermediate elementsbetween the coupled items absent specific contrary language.

As used herein, the terms “integrally formed” and “unitary construction”refer to a construction that does not include any welds, fasteners, orother means for securing separately formed pieces of material to eachother.

In some examples, values, procedures, or apparatus may be referred to as“lowest,” “best,” “minimum,” or the like. It will be appreciated thatsuch descriptions are intended to indicate that a selection among manyalternatives can be made, and such selections need not be better,smaller, or otherwise preferable to other selections.

Some of the figures provided herein include an orientation system thatincludes an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis that are mutually orthogonalto one another. It should be understood that the orientation system ismerely for reference and can be varied. For example, the x-axis can beswitched with the y-axis and/or the object or assembly can be rotated.

As used herein, the term “X-Y plane” refers to a plane defined by anx-axis and a y-axis that extend along an absolute horizontal reference,such as a floor on which a panel member is situated when in a functionalposition, such that the plane is parallel to the absolute horizontalreference.

As used herein, the term “Y-Z plane” refers to a plane defined by they-axis of the X-Y plane and a z-axis that is mutually orthogonal to thex- and y-axes, and that is perpendicular to the absolute horizontalreference.

As used herein, “curved in the X-Y plane” means that a two-dimensionalprojection of a body or a portion of the body, such as a panel member,onto the X-Y plane has a curved profile.

As used herein, “curved in the Y-Z plane” means that a two-dimensionalprojection of a body or a portion of the body, such as a panel member,onto a Y-Z plane of the body has a curved profile.

As used herein, the term “degree of curvature” refers to an angle of anarc defined by the surface of a curved portion of a panel member.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of thedisclosure may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustratedembodiments are only preferred examples and should not be taken aslimiting the scope of the disclosure. Rather, the scope of thedisclosure is at least as broad as the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A panel member for a cyclorama configured to besituated on a horizontal reference, the panel member comprising: a firstconcavo-convex wall portion having an upper portion and a lower portion,the upper portion having a first radius of curvature in a plane that isparallel to the horizontal reference, at least the lower portion havinga second radius of curvature in a plane that is perpendicular to thehorizontal reference such that the lower portion is configured to slopeupwardly from the horizontal reference when the cyclorama is situated onthe horizontal reference; and a second concavo-convex wall portion, thesecond wall portion having an upper portion and a lower portion, theupper portion having the first radius of curvature in a plane that isparallel to the horizontal reference, at least the lower portion havingthe second radius of curvature in a plane that is perpendicular to thehorizontal reference such that the lower portion is configured to slopeupwardly from the horizontal reference when the cyclorama is situated onthe horizontal reference; wherein the first radius of curvature isgreater than the second radius of curvature.
 2. The panel member ofclaim 1, wherein a ratio of the first radius of curvature to the secondradius of curvature is from about 1.1:1 to about 2:1, from about 1.1:1to about 1.5:1, or about 1.2:1.
 3. The panel member of claim 1, whereinthe first and second wall portions further comprise respective first andsecond peripheral recessed portions on the same side of the panel memberas a primary surface of the panel member.
 4. The panel member of claim3, wherein the first and second peripheral recessed portions definerespective secondary surfaces that are offset from the primary surfaceof the panel member in a direction toward a support structure to whichthe panel member is secured when situated in a use position.
 5. Thepanel member of claim 4, wherein the secondary surfaces define aplurality of openings to receive fasteners for fastening the panelmember to the support structure.
 6. The panel member of claim 1, furthercomprising flanges extending along the first and second wall portionsperpendicular to a primary surface of the panel member.
 7. The panelmember of claim 6, wherein the flanges further define openings toreceive fasteners for fastening the panel member to one or more adjacentpanel members.
 8. The panel member of claim 1, wherein the first andsecond wall portions define respective degrees of curvature of fromabout 30 degrees to about 60 degrees.
 9. The panel member of claim 1,wherein the first and second wall portions are integrally formed withone another.
 10. The panel member of claim 1, further comprising a thirdconcavo-convex wall portion located between the first and second wallportions, the third wall portion having an upper portion and a lowerportion, the upper portion having an upper edge that extends linearly ina plane that is parallel to the horizontal reference, at least the lowerportion having the second radius of curvature in a plane that isperpendicular to the horizontal reference.
 11. The panel member of claim1, further comprising a third concavo-convex wall portion locatedbetween the first and second wall portions, the third wall portionhaving an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having athird radius of curvature in a plane that is parallel to the horizontalreference, at least the lower portion having the second radius ofcurvature in a plane that is perpendicular to the horizontal reference.12. The panel member of claim 11, wherein the third radius of curvatureis larger than the first radius of curvature.
 13. The panel member ofclaim 12, wherein a ratio of the first radius of curvature to the thirdradius of curvature is greater than 1.5:1, greater than 2:1, or about2.25:1.
 14. The panel member of claim 11, further comprising a fourthwall portion extending from the first wall portion and a fifth wallportion extending from the second wall portion, the fourth and fifthwall portions including respective upper and lower portions, therespective upper portions being planar.
 15. The panel member of claim14, wherein an angle defined by the upper portions of the fourth andfifth wall portions is less than 90 degrees.
 16. The panel member ofclaim 14, further comprising a floor portion extending between thefirst, second, third, fourth, and fifth wall portions.
 17. A method ofmaking a panel member for a cyclorama, comprising: applying a moldablematerial to a mold member; and applying pressure to the moldablematerial to form a panel member configured to be situated on ahorizontal reference, the panel member comprising: a firstconcavo-convex wall portion having an upper portion and a lower portion,the upper portion having a first radius of curvature in a plane that isparallel to the horizontal reference, at least the lower portion havinga second radius of curvature in a plane that is perpendicular to thehorizontal reference such that the lower portion is configured to slopeupwardly from the horizontal reference when the cyclorama is situated onthe horizontal reference; and a second concavo-convex wall portion, thesecond wall portion having an upper portion and a lower portion, theupper portion having the first radius of curvature in a plane that isparallel to the horizontal reference, at least the lower portion havingthe second radius of curvature in a plane that is perpendicular to thehorizontal reference such that the lower portion is configured to slopeupwardly from the horizontal reference when the cyclorama is situated onthe horizontal reference; wherein the first radius of curvature isgreater than the second radius of curvature.
 18. The method of claim 17,wherein the panel member further comprises a third concavo-convex wallportion located between the first and second wall portions, the thirdwall portion having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upperportion having an upper edge that extends linearly in a plane that isparallel to the horizontal reference, at least the lower portion havingthe second radius of curvature in a plane that is perpendicular to thehorizontal reference.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the panelmember further comprises a third concavo-convex wall portion locatedbetween the first and second wall portions, the third wall portionhaving an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having athird radius of curvature in a plane that is parallel to the horizontalreference, at least the lower portion having the second radius ofcurvature in a plane that is perpendicular to the horizontal reference.20. A method comprising creating an image using a cyclorama including apanel member configured to be situated on a horizontal reference, thepanel member comprising: a first concavo-convex wall portion having anupper portion and a lower portion, the upper portion having a firstradius of curvature in a plane that is parallel to the horizontalreference, at least the lower portion having a second radius ofcurvature in a plane that is perpendicular to the horizontal referencesuch that the lower portion is configured to slope upwardly from thehorizontal reference when the cyclorama is situated on the horizontalreference; and a second concavo-convex wall portion, the second wallportion having an upper portion and a lower portion, the upper portionhaving the first radius of curvature in a plane that is parallel to thehorizontal reference, at least the lower portion having the secondradius of curvature in a plane that is perpendicular to the horizontalreference such that the lower portion is configured to slope upwardlyfrom the horizontal reference when the cyclorama is situated on thehorizontal reference; wherein the first radius of curvature is greaterthan the second radius of curvature.